Paths to healing: Chiropractic
By Michael Miller · May 16, 2024
Our newsletter team examines six different approaches to healing
Proper nerve flow, motion are key in this approach to improving alignment and posture, which allows the body to function well
Definition
“Chiropractic is a health care profession where we perform adjustments to the spine or other joints,” said Dr. Ryder Church of Peoria Chiropractic and a Samaritan Ministries member.
Number of practitioners
Over 31,000 currently licensed in the U.S.
History
Chiropractic began with D.D. Palmer in the 1890s, who surmised that manipulation of the spine could have health effects on other parts of the body.
Approach to healing
Chiropractic aims to restore proper nerve flow and proper motion, and to improve alignment and posture. It basically removes the interference that is happening to areas of the body which may be affecting overall health.
Common ailments treated
“Chiropractic basically helps to enhance the health of the individual, whether they have neck pain, back pain, or some other issue, such as cancer or heart problems,” Dr. Church said. “Chiropractic can help with the overall health of that individual by making sure there’s no nerve interference. It’s going to help with the organ functions and it’s going to help with muscle function, making sure that the movement of the spine and the joints are proper.”
Chiropractic can be helpful for pregnant women, for instance.
“The movement of the spine can get altered by the baby in the uterus, and different stresses on the body will present themselves in different ways,” he said. “Chiropractic can help to equalize those out a little bit. It’s also drugless. During their second and third trimesters, moms are starting to have some aches and pains, but with chiropractic they don’t have to take medication.”
Chiropractic is, in fact, beneficial from the moment of birth, Dr. Church said.
“The first place where issues form is in the womb,” he said. “The fetus, when they get into the third trimester, starts losing room and that can have a negative effect on their spine. Even the birth process itself is quite traumatic to a baby. Doctors have to do a lot of pulling on the neck and manipulation of the shoulders to get it to come out sometimes, and that can cause its first irritation to the spine. So, chiropractic can help even newborns.”
While chiropractors do not use medication, many offer nutritional guidance. Some chiropractors, Dr. Church said, only offer nutritional counseling.
Certification and licensing
Chiropractors must have a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on science, such as anatomy or physiology, plus four additional years of school before they can be licensed. The first two post-graduate years involve study of many of the same areas as medical students.
“The first two years of chiropractic college and of medical school are almost identical,” Dr. Church said. “We take a national board exam after that, which is a separate program from the college that ensures you have learned the material and which is similar for both medical doctors and chiropractors.” After that, though, the emphasis of study splits. While med students will study things like pharmaceuticals and surgery, chiropractors will study radiology, the treatment of patients, and techniques of spinal adjustment. After that, chiropractors take more state boards in order to be able to practice. Finally, chiropractors must take continuing education like other health care professionals to maintain their license.
Read about other paths to healing:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and is not meant as medical advice. The information is not meant to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health professional.